NOC : Gumel lauds federations’ presidents, delegates for contributions to Nigeria’s Olympic Movement

Habu Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), has sent words of appreciation to all delegates who took part in the recent elections in Jalingo where he was re-elected.

Gumel showed the appreciation in a statement on Monday in Awka by Tony Nezianya, NOC spokesman.

Gumel said the past and present presidents and secretaries generals of the various federations, as well as delegates, had been “wonderful“ in their contributions to the progress and success of the Nigerian Olympic Movement.

He thanked them for their support which resulted in his re-election, saying “you were all wonderful in your resolve to offer me another opportunity at the leadership of our Olympic Movement”.

“Your profound support will propel me to ensure that every single fellow is carried along. I will only ask you to help in every little way by contributing your quota to the growth and development of our NOC.

“That the congress turned out peaceful is due to your support and for which I thank you all immensely,” he said.

Gumel pointed out that elections were over and efforts of members of the Nigerian Olympic community should shift to coming together and working in unity to promote the ideals of the movement.

He paid a special tribute to Olabanji Oladapo, the retiring Secretary General of the NOC, whom he described as a worthy ambassador to the Olympic Movement in Nigeria.

He said Oladapo was a loyal officer who knew how to navigate through the many challenging situations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

He said that NOC was already missing his indelible footprints.

“Oladapo deserves to share in the glory for his sterling contributions, for honours brought in through athletics, via top athletes at the World Championships, the likes of Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume, and others, “ he stated.